NE POLITICAL BUREAU
NEW DELHI/CHENNAI, MAR 27:
In a powerful twin push to deepen democratic participation and safeguard electoral integrity, the Election Commission of India has intensified its flagship SVEEP outreach across poll-bound states, while the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has activated round-the-clock helplines to crack down on illicit activities ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Chunav ka Parv, Tamil Nadu ka Garv✨
A voter awareness activity in schools at Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, saw children writing heartfelt messages to their parents and elders, urging them to cast their vote.
When young voices speak, change begins. #TamilNaduElections2026 #ECI… pic.twitter.com/lvHdfpALxW
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) March 27, 2026
At the heart of the outreach lies West Bengal’s vibrant campaign themed “Chunav Ka Parv, Paschim Bengal Ka Garv,” transforming voter awareness into a cultural celebration. A mega SVEEP event in Howrah set the tone, with a spirited cyclothon flagged off from the iconic Howrah Bridge, drawing participation from students, first-time voters, and election officials.
The rally, passing through the Rail Museum to Ramkrishnapur Ferry Ghat, culminated in cultural performances—folk songs, dance, and street theatre—embedding the importance of voting within the region’s rich artistic traditions. Adding a unique twist, beloved animated characters Chhota Bheem and Chutki engaged young audiences, amplifying the message of electoral participation.
Beyond Howrah, the SVEEP campaign is being rolled out across all districts of West Bengal and scaled up in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu—targeting urban voters, women, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and youth. The initiative blends grassroots mobilisation with digital innovation, highlighting tools like the ECINET App, 100% webcasting, improved Voter Information Slips, and mobile deposit facilities outside polling stations.
Electoral Literacy Clubs in colleges and universities are also being mobilised to energise first-time voters, while social media campaigns rooted in local culture aim to create a relatable and impactful outreach.
The Commission underscored that these initiatives are designed to “educate and inform voters about the importance of voting… and maximise voter turnout… while strengthening awareness among citizens and stakeholders.”
DRI Steps In to Secure the Electoral Ecosystem
Complementing this awareness drive, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has assumed a critical role in election expenditure monitoring for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, acting as the nodal agency under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs framework.
With the Model Code of Conduct in force, DRI has launched dedicated 24×7 helplines to prevent smuggling and illicit trade that could influence the electoral process. Citizens have been urged to report suspicious activities involving narcotics, gold, foreign currency, wildlife items, or other contraband.
Officials stated that informers providing “specific and actionable information leading to successful detection/seizure shall be rewarded as per existing Government policies,” adding that “the identity of the informers will be kept strictly confidential.”
Helpline Details:
6385161640, 6385181640
driczu[at]gov[dot]in / driczu[at]nic[dot]in
WhatsApp: 6385161640, 6385181640
The DRI initiative aims to “promote public awareness amongst voters, encourage active citizen participation, and prevent malpractice that have the potential to undermine the integrity of the elections.”
Together, the SVEEP outreach and DRI vigilance architecture signal a comprehensive approach—where celebration meets scrutiny—to ensure that India’s electoral process remains inclusive, transparent, and uncompromised.
